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Remembering Marilyn Liles Jones, ʼ75

By Emily Parker

Remembering Marilyn Liles Jones, ʼ75

By Emily Parker

Marilyn Jones smiling.Marilyn Liles Jones, ʼ75, former director of funding research at Meredith College, who lived a life rich with friends, service, and dedication to her family, passed away on February 28, 2025. On April 11, Meredith College remembered Marilyn at a memorial service in Jones Auditorium.

Meredith held a special place in Marilyn’s life and heart. She was a proud member of the Class of 1975, earning a Bachelor of Science in home economics. After several years with the Baptist Children’s Home and United Way, Marilyn returned to Meredith College to work in the Office of Institutional Advancement, retiring as the director of funding research after 23 years of service.

Marilyn cherished the friendships she built at Meredith. She had a deep sense of belonging in a special sisterhood that included classmates, co-workers, alumnae, and staff from many departments. A thoughtful and loving pair of Meredith friends established a GoFundMe page that generously funded many of Marilyn’s expenses when it was needed most. Other Meredith friends provided unexpected and profound support that moved Marilyn beyond words. From the grounds crew to the security team to the maintenance staff to the president of the College to this dear sisterhood, Marilyn took great pride in being a part of the Meredith family. She also loved to read and served many years as the leader and a member of the original Meredith College Alumnae Book Club. 

Colleagues in the Office of Institutional Advancement used the same positive adjectives again and again to describe Marilyn: kind, thoughtful, humble, generous, caring, gracious, sincere, loving, loyal, honest, and artistic. 

Below are some thoughts from Institutional Advancement staff about Marilyn:

“Marilyn truly was a team player and always the first to lend a helping hand. She constantly maintained that calm and even demeanor.”

“She was a gentle spirit, devoted to her family and friends. Marilyn enjoyed the simple things – good food, good wine, and good writing – and she was a voracious reader.”

“At a recent staff meeting, we talked about how we all loved her giggle, especially when she was telling cat stories about Moses and Hezzie.”

“I was always awed by her multiple talents – crocheting, quilting, singing – and having the best balance of anyone in Tai Chi class.” 

“Even in her final weeks, when she was not comfortable, she never complained. Through her faith and determination, and with a smidge of stubbornness thrown in, Marilyn exemplified Meredith Strong.” 

“Marilyn was in my theater group and my beach group. That girl did love the beach – she was always the last one inside at the end of the day.”

“She made good Dark and Stormies and, as you all know, was a great cook. One year, when it was her night to make specialty drinks, she made Pimm’s Cups – a light and refreshing drink that was a huge hit.”

The date of the Meredith memorial service would have been Marilyn’s 72nd birthday. 

“Marilyn has reminded us all that we are not guaranteed tomorrow,” said Billie Jo Cockman, director of strategic giving, who said words of reflection at the memorial. “But we know heaven has gained a pretty wonderful new angel.”

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